Method for processing an electronic message, and associated data processing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing an electronic message intended for a receiver terminal (120), said message comprising a graphic code encoding data, referred to as "access data", representative of an access operation to a computing resource, said method comprising steps of: - decoding (E70) the access data, - generating (E90) an interactive object in the electronic message on the basis of the decoded access data, said interactive object being configured to give access to the computing resource when an interaction is carried out with said interactive object.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Method for processing an electronic message, associated data processing system Prior art

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of telecommunications. It relates more particularly to a method for processing an electronic message intended for a receiving terminal, as well as a data processing system configured to implement said method. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, although in no way limiting, application in the context of a receiving terminal of the smartphone type.

[0002] The QR code, or quick response code, was developed in the mid-1990s and has since seen ever-increasing use, particularly with the massive growth in digital uses, particularly those implemented using smartphones.

[0003] A typical use case for a QR code is to generate it so that it encodes a string of characters identifying a data resource available on a computer network. For example, this could typically be a QR code encoding a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) configured to provide access to a computer resource on the Internet, such as a web page.

[0004] In practice, once generated, a traditional use of the QR code is to display it using a physical object (wall, door, table, advertising screen, etc.) separate from a user's smartphone and equipped with a software application configured for reading QR codes. In this way, the user can scan the QR code in question and access the corresponding IT resource.

[0005] While this conventional way of proceeding does not pose any practical problem of execution, it is quite different when a QR code is displayed not via a physical object in the real world distinct from a user's smartphone, but is on the contrary displayed by the smartphone itself, for example when the QR code is incorporated into an electronic message, such as for example an email or a mobile phone multimedia message still commonly referred to as "MMS" ("Multimedia Messaging Service" in English), and is viewed using the screen of said smartphone.

[0006] In this case, it is understood that the smartphone can no longer be used to scan the QR code contained in the message. As a result, it is not possible to access the computing resource, which disrupts the user experience.

[0007] Ultimately, the only current way to address this issue is for a user to have a second device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) at hand that is capable of scanning and decoding the QR code contained in the electronic message displayed on the smartphone screen. In addition to being expensive, this solution is particularly difficult to implement, so ultimately the risk that the IT resource will not be accessed is very high. Statement of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which allows access to a computer resource identified by a graphic code contained in an electronic message in a more efficient manner than the solutions of the state of the art.

[0009] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for processing an electronic message intended for a receiving terminal, said message comprising a graphic code encoding data, called "access data", representative of access to a computer resource, said method comprising steps of: - decoding of access data, - generation of an interactive object in the electronic message from the decoded access data, said interactive object being configured to provide access to the computer resource when an interaction is carried out with said interactive object.

[0010] For example, the interactive object may be a hyperlink to access the computer resource, the hyperlink being generated so as to be attached to the graphic code and thus make the graphic code clickable to access the computer resource.

[0011] Thus, the graphic code contained in the electronic message, which initially is only an inert image, becomes, thanks to the method according to the invention, an active image with which it is possible to interact by clicking.

[0012] By "click" we traditionally refer to an interaction that can be direct (i.e. a finger press), for example on a smartphone touch screen, or indirect, i.e. by means of a device operated by a user, such as a mouse or a stylus.

[0013] In other words, the method according to the invention makes it possible, automatically, to interpret the graphic code, to extract the information on access to the computer resource, and to couple this information with the graphic code.

[0014] Thus, a user who consults the electronic message via the receiving terminal no longer needs to have other equipment to read (scan) the graphic code. This therefore considerably facilitates accessibility to the data resource, and therefore greatly increases the probability that it will be consulted.

[0015] Furthermore, the fact of not having to equip oneself with other equipment contributes advantageously to providing an inexpensive solution from a material point of view.

[0016] It is important to note that the interactive object is not limited to the hyperlink intended to be attached to the graphic code. Indeed, it may also be an object of another nature not intended to be attached to the graphic code, but to be incorporated / displayed in the electronic message in addition to the graphic code during the generation step of said other interactive object. By way of non-limiting example, such another interactive object may correspond to a symbol, an icon, an image, a photo, etc. Furthermore, nothing precludes having in the electronic message not only a clickable graphic code as described above but also such another interactive object.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the treatment method may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the graphical code is any one of: a QR code, a mini QR code, a barcode, a data matrix.

[0019] In particular implementations, the access data is representative of a uniform resource identifier configured to provide access to a computing resource on the Internet.

[0020] In particular embodiments, said method further comprises, before the generation of the interactive object, steps of: - verification of compliance with a security criterion by the IT resource, - if the verification is not satisfied, an alert message is issued.

[0021] These provisions are advantageous in that they improve the security of access to the IT resource.

[0022] For example, the security criterion can be configured to verify that the computing resource is not likely to infect with a virus the receiving terminal of a user who is viewing the electronic message.

[0023] Alternatively, the security criterion may be configured to verify that consulting the IT resource is not likely to trigger a phishing process of personal information of the user who consults the electronic message.

[0024] Generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the nature of the security criterion, the notion of "security" being, in the context of the present invention, characteristic of anything that is free of risks and / or dangers for the integrity of the receiving terminal and / or the user of the receiving terminal. Consequently, no limitation is attached to the manner in which the criterion can be verified (e.g. consultation of a database listing suspicious data resources, making a network diagnosis, for example by means of a ping test of a data resource, etc.).

[0025] In particular embodiments, said method further comprises, following transmission of the electronic message to the receiving terminal, steps of: - receipt, from the receiving terminal, of a notification indicating that an interaction has been carried out with the interactive object, - transmission of the notification to a terminal sending the electronic message, - redirection of the receiving terminal to the IT resource using access data.

[0026] In particular embodiments, said method further comprises, after the generation of the interactive object, a step of transmitting the electronic message to the receiving terminal.

[0027] In particular embodiments, said method further comprises a step of sending a notification, said notification indicating that the electronic message has been modified following the generation of the interactive object.

[0028] In particular embodiments, said method further comprises, upon receipt of the notification, a step of incrementing a counter and / or timestamping said notification.

[0029] Performing such an incrementation with a counter advantageously makes it possible to establish statistics relating to the use of services that may be offered by a service platform when the latter executes all or part of the processing process. The timestamp makes it possible to keep dated proof of the use of the services thus offered. In addition, combining an incremental count and a timestamp makes it possible to improve the security of exchanges to the extent that it becomes possible to implement intrusion detection tools, such as a denial of service attack ("Distributed Denial of Service" or "DDoS" in English).

[0030] In particular implementation modes, the electronic message is an email, a mobile phone multimedia message or a message exchanged on an instant messaging platform.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing at least the steps of decoding and generating a data processing method according to the invention when said computer program is executed by a computer.

[0032] This program may use any programming language, and may be in the form of source code, object code, or code intermediate between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0033] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable information or recording medium on which a computer program according to the invention is recorded.

[0034] The information or recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may include a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a hard disk.

[0035] On the other hand, the information or recording medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded from a network such as the Internet.

[0036] Alternatively, the information or recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to carry out or to be used in carrying out the method in question.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a data processing device comprising means configured to implement at least the steps of decoding and generating a method for processing an electronic message according to the invention.

[0038] In particular embodiments, the data processing device may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0039] In particular embodiments, said device is integrated into any one of: - a service platform operated by a communications operator, - a messaging platform operated by a messaging operator, - a terminal sending the electronic message, - a receiving terminal to which the electronic message is intended.

[0040] In particular embodiments, the entities operating the service platform and the messaging platform are different or the same

[0041] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a data processing system comprising means configured to implement a data processing method according to the invention.

[0042] In particular embodiments, the data processing system may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0043] In particular embodiments, said system comprises a data processing device belonging to a service platform operated by a communications operator, said data processing device being configured to implement all the steps of the processing method.

[0044] In particular embodiments, said system comprises a transmitter terminal, a receiver terminal, a first data processing device belonging to a service platform operated by a communications operator, and / or a second data processing device belonging to a messaging platform operated by a messaging operator, and in which: - the detection, analysis and generation steps are implemented by the second data processing device, or by the transmitting terminal, or by the receiving terminal, and - when the method comprises steps of verification and transmission of an alert message, said steps are implemented by the first data processing device or by the second data processing device, - when the method comprises steps of receiving a notification indicating that the graphic code has been clicked, transmitting the notification and redirecting the receiving terminal, said steps are implemented by the first data processing device or by the second data processing device, - when the method includes a step of transmitting the electronic message to the receiving terminal, said step is implemented by the second data processing device, - when the method includes a step of sending the notification indicating that the electronic message has been modified, said step is implemented by the second data processing device, - when the method comprises an incrementation and / or timestamping step, said step is implemented by the first data processing device.

[0045] In particular embodiments, the entities operating the service platform and the messaging platform are different or the same. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment thereof without any limiting character. In the figures: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 schematically represents a particular embodiment of a data processing system according to the invention, said system comprising a data processing device; [Fig. 2] Figure 2 schematically represents an example of hardware architecture of the data processing device included in the system of Figure 1; [Fig. 3] Figure 3 represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of implementation of a communication method, called “general method”, implemented by the system of Figure 1, said general method encompassing a method of processing an electronic message according to the invention which is implemented by the device of Figure 2 [Fig. 4] Figure 4 represents, in the form of a flowchart, another particular mode of implementation of the general process; [Fig. 5] Figure 5 represents, in the form of a flowchart, another particular mode of implementation of the general process; [Fig. 6] Figure 6 represents, in the form of a flowchart, another particular mode of implementation of the general process; [Fig. 7] Figure 7 represents, in the form of a flowchart, another particular mode of implementation of the general process. Description of embodiments

[0047] Figure 1 schematically represents a particular embodiment of a data processing system 100 according to the invention.

[0048] The system 100 of FIG. 1 is configured to carry out processing operations making it possible in particular to make interactive, more particularly clickable in the present embodiment, a graphic code contained in an electronic message MES sent by a transmitter terminal 110 (sender) and received by a receiver terminal 120 (recipient). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the two terminals 110, 120 belong to the system 100.

[0049] For the remainder of the description, it is considered in a non-limiting manner that the transmitter terminal 110 and receiver terminal 120 are both smartphones and that they belong to respective distinct users. It is further considered that the electronic message MES transmitted from the transmitter terminal 110 to the receiver terminal 120 is an email. This email was notably written by the user in possession of the transmitter terminal 110, and is intended to be consulted (i.e. read) by the user in possession of the receiver terminal 120.

[0050] It should be noted, however, that these provisions are not limiting of the invention. In particular, no limitation is attached to the nature of said transmitter 110 and receiver 120 terminals since they are capable of exchanging electronic messages. Thus, nothing precludes considering, for example, that a terminal (transmitter / receiver) is a digital tablet, a laptop, a personal assistant, a connected watch, an electronic reader, etc.

[0051] Similarly, no limitation is attached to the nature of the MES electronic message as long as it is capable of including a graphic code, as detailed below. Thus, nothing precludes considering, for example, a mobile telephone multimedia message of the “MMS” type (“Multimedia Messaging Service” in English), or a so-called “instant” message, in other words a message exchanged during an online dialogue (“chat” in English).

[0052] According to the invention, the electronic message MES comprises a graphic code encoding data, called "access data" C_CAR, identifying a computer resource. In other words, the access data C_CAR form a link to the corresponding computer resource.

[0053] More particularly, in the present embodiment, the graphic code is a QR code and the access data C_CAR are representative of a uniform resource identifier URI configured to provide access to a computer resource of the Internet network (reference "WEB" in the figures), namely here a web page P_WEB.

[0054] The fact of considering a graphic code of the QR code type as well as C_CAR access data representative of a URI type resource do not constitute limitations of the invention, other variants being conceivable. For example, as regards the graphic code, it can take any form known per se used to convey information, such as for example: a mini QR code, a barcode (e.g. of the PDF147 type, code 128, etc.), a data matrix (e.g. of the Flashcode type, 2D-doc, datamatrix, etc.), etc.

[0055] As regards the C_CAR access data, these may for example be representative of a URL address (Uniform Resource Locator in English), a short URL address (tiny URL in English), an address within a local network (e.g. an internet network within a company, such as for example an Intranet, so as to identify a file stored on a server of the company), etc. Conventionally, it is understood that the C_CAR access data comprises one or more character strings making it possible to define access to the IT resource.

[0056] Furthermore, if it is considered in the embodiment described here that the computing resource is available on a computer network, nothing excludes considering still other alternatives in which the computing resource is available on any of the entities forming the system 100, such as for example a software application, a photo, a video, etc. stored in a memory of the transmitter terminal 110 or of the receiver terminal 120.

[0057] The nature of the communication protocol(s) used by the various entities of the system 100 to enable the transmission of the electronic message MES from the sending terminal 110 to the receiving terminal 120 is in no way limiting of the invention. Thus, in the present embodiment, at least as regards the terminals 110, 120, any protocol known to those skilled in the art for carrying out data exchanges in the context of wireless telecommunications is conceivable (Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.). Of course, nothing precludes also considering that any or part of the entities of the system 100 communicate using a protocol adapted to a wired communication network.

[0058] As illustrated by Figure 1, the system 100 comprises, in the embodiment described here and in addition to the terminals 110, 120, a messaging platform 130. This messaging platform is configured in hardware and software to allow the management (reception, sending, redirection, storage, archiving, etc.) of emails, including in particular the MES electronic message.

[0059] It should be noted that the embodiment of figure 1 is described by considering a single messaging platform 130. These considerations derive from the fact that it is considered here, in no way limiting and for the sole purpose of simplifying the description, that the email addresses respectively used by the sending terminals 110, receiving terminals 120 are hosted and managed at the level of the same messaging platform 130, the latter being operated by a single messaging operator.

[0060] That being said, nothing precludes considering, according to other examples not detailed here, that the system 100 comprises two distinct messaging platforms and respectively associated with the two sending terminals 110, receiving terminal 120 (eg a first messaging platform managed by Google (gmail) for the sending terminal 110, and a second messaging platform managed by Orange (Orange mail) for the receiving terminal 120.

[0061] In the embodiment described here, the system 100 also comprises a data processing device 141 belonging to a service platform 140. By "service platform", we refer here to a platform operated by a communications operator (e.g. Orange) to offer data processing services exchanged, in particular, via the messaging platform 130. For this purpose, the device 141 is configured to carry out processing operations making it possible in particular to make the QR code contained in the MES message interactive (clickable) before the latter reaches the receiving terminal 120, by implementing a method for processing the MES message according to the invention.

[0062] As will also be described below, the fact of considering that the aforementioned treatments are implemented by the processing device 141 constitutes only a variant of implementation of the invention, and nothing excludes the consideration of other modes in which all or part of these treatments are implemented by a device suitably configured and integrated with the messaging platform 130, the sending terminal 110 or the receiving terminal 120.

[0063] For the remainder of the description, it is considered in a non-limiting manner that the entities operating the service platform 140 and the messaging platform 130 respectively are different. Of course, such provisions are not limiting of the invention, and nothing excludes the possibility that these entities are identical or that they constitute a single entity (e.g. the same commercial company).

[0064] Figure 2 schematically represents an example of hardware architecture of the data processing device 141 included in the system 100 of Figure 1.

[0065] As illustrated in Figure 2, the device 141 has the hardware architecture of a computer. Thus, the device 141 comprises, in particular, a processor 1, a random access memory 2, a read-only memory 3 and a non-volatile memory 4. It also has communication means 5.

[0066] The read-only memory 3 of the device 141 constitutes a recording medium in accordance with the invention, readable by the processor 1 and on which is recorded a computer program PROG in accordance with the invention, comprising instructions for the execution of steps of the processing method. The program PROG defines functional modules of the device 141, which rely on or control the hardware elements 1 to 5 of the device 141 cited above. These functional modules are illustrated in FIG. 1 in a non-limiting manner, and are described in more detail below with reference to different modes of implementation.

[0067] The communication means 5 allow the device 141 to exchange (transmission / reception) data with one or more other entities of the system 100. For this purpose, and as mentioned above, these communication means 5 rely on a communication interface, which can be wired or wireless, using any communication protocol known to those skilled in the art.

[0068] Figure 3 represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of implementation of a communication method, called “general method”, implemented by the system 100. Said general method includes the method of processing the MES message according to the invention implemented by the device 141 of Figure 2.

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 3, the general method firstly comprises a step E10 of obtaining the MES message. Said step E10 is implemented by the transmitting terminal 110.

[0070] According to a more particular example of implementation, the obtaining step E10 consists of a complete generation of the MES message. In other words, according to this example, the user in possession of the transmitter terminal 110 generates the MES message by including the QR code.

[0071] According to another example, the obtaining step E10 firstly comprises a reception of a written message without graphic code, for example from a terminal in the possession of a user different from the one who owns the transmitting terminal 110, as well as a partial generation of the MES message consisting of incorporating the QR code into the written message.

[0072] According to yet another example, the obtaining step E10 comprises a reception of the MES message (i.e. the message already comprising the QR code), for example from a terminal in the possession of a user different from the one who possesses the transmitting terminal 110. In other words, in this example, the role of the transmitting terminal 110 is to carry out a communication relay.

[0073] The general method then comprises a step E20 of sending the MES message to the receiving terminal 120. Said step E10 is implemented by the sending terminal 110.

[0074] The MES message sent is then received by the messaging platform 130 (step E30), and transmitted by the latter (step E40) to the data processing device 141 belonging to the service platform 140.

[0075] Upon receipt of the MES message by the device 141 (step E50), the general method comprises a step E60 of detecting the QR code in the MES message. Steps E50 and E60 are respectively implemented by a reception module MOD_RX and a detection module MOD_DETEC equipping the device 141, and are part of the processing method. The transmission module MOD_RX is integrated into the communication means 5 of the device 141.

[0076] The detection of the QR code in the MES message is implemented according to any technique known to those skilled in the art, in particular by performing a scan of the MES message in order to identify the contours of said QR code.

[0077] Once the QR code has been detected, the general method comprises a step E70 of decoding the access data C_CAR encoded by the QR code. Said step E70 is implemented by a decoding module MOD_DECOD equipping the device 141 and is part of the processing method.

[0078] It is important to note that the steps of detection E60 and decoding E70 are described here separately. That being said, nothing precludes considering other modes of implementation in which the decoding of the graphic code admits a broader definition so as to integrate the detection of said graphic code.

[0079] In the implementation mode described here with reference to Figure 3, the general method also comprises a step E80 of verifying compliance with a security criterion CRIT by the IT resource, i.e. the web page P_WEB, identified by the access data C_CAR. Said step E80 is implemented by a verification module MOD_VERIF equipping the device 141 and is part of the processing method.

[0080] For example, the security criterion CRIT can be configured to verify that the web page P_WEB is not likely to infect the receiving terminal 120 with a virus when it is consulted.

[0081] Alternatively, the security criterion CRIT can be configured to make it possible to verify that consulting the web page P_WEB is not likely to trigger a phishing process of personal information of the user in possession of the receiving terminal 120.

[0082] Generally speaking, no limitation is attached to the nature of the security criterion CRIT, the notion of “security” being, in the context of the present invention, characteristic of anything that is free of risks and / or dangers for the integrity of the receiving terminal 120 and / or its user. Consequently, no limitation is also attached to the manner in which the criterion can be verified (e.g. consultation of a database listing suspicious data resources, making a network diagnosis, for example by means of a ping test of a data resource, etc.).

[0083] Therefore, if the verification carried out during step E80 is not satisfied (i.e. the CRIT criterion is not respected), the general method may include a step of sending an alert message (not illustrated in Figure 3). For example, the An alert message may be transmitted to the receiving terminal 120 to warn it not to consult the MES message when it arrives. An alert message may also be transmitted to the operator of the messaging platform 130 to warn it of the potentially fraudulent behavior of the user in possession of the sending terminal 110.

[0084] For the remainder of the description, it is considered that the security verification carried out in step E80 is satisfied. It should however be noted that this step E80 (and therefore a fortiori that consisting of transmitting an alert message if applicable) is optional within the meaning of the present invention, and has the advantage of reinforcing the security of the processing of the MES message with respect to the user of the receiving terminal 120.

[0085] The general method then comprises a step E90 of generating an interactive object in the MES message from the decoded C_CAR access data, said interactive object being configured to provide access to the computing resource when an interaction is performed with said interactive object. More particularly, in the implementation mode described here and as illustrated by FIG. 3, the interactive object is a hyperlink HYP_L for accessing the web page P_WEB, the hyperlink HYP_L being generated so as to be attached to the QR code and thus make the QR code clickable to access the web page P_WEB (in other words, the hyperlink HYP_L is inserted into the QR code). Said step E90 is implemented by a generation module MODJ3EN equipping the device 141 and is part of the processing method.

[0086] In other words, the QR code of the MES message, which was until now an inert image, becomes, via the execution of step E90, an active image with which it is possible to interact by clicking. By "click", we conventionally refer, in the present embodiment where the receiving terminal 120 is a smartphone, to a direct interaction (i.e. a finger press) on the touch screen of said smartphone. It should be noted, however, that the notion of "click" can also refer, according to other embodiments, to an indirect interaction, i.e. by means of a device handled by a user, such as for example a mouse or a stylus.

[0087] In any event, attaching the appropriate HYP_L hyperlink to the QR code in the body of the MES message makes it much easier to consult the P_WEB web page when the latter is received by the receiving terminal 120. In fact, the user in possession of the receiving terminal 120 can simply click on the QR code, and is no longer required to use other equipment to scan the QR code.

[0088] For the rest of the description, the message containing the QR code to which the HYP_L hyperlink is attached is referred to as “NEW_MES”.

[0089] Therefore, and as represented by Figure 3 in no way limiting, the general method comprises a step E100 of transmitting the NEW_MES message to the messaging platform 130. Said step E100 is implemented by a MOD_TX transmission module equipping the device 141 and is part of the processing method. The MOD_TX transmission module is integrated into the communication means 5 of the device 141.

[0090] The NEW_MES message sent is then received by the messaging platform 130 (step E110), and transmitted by the latter (step E120) to the receiving terminal 120 which receives it (step E130).

[0091] From then on, the user in possession of the receiving terminal 120 is able to be directed to the web page P_WEB. To do this, said user clicks on the QR code contained in the NEW_MES message received (step E140 with the reference “ACT QR CODE”).

[0092] In the implementation mode described here, and as illustrated by FIG. 3, the general method comprises a step E150 of transmitting a NOTIF notification to the device 141, said NOTIF notification indicating that the QR code has been clicked. Said step E150 is implemented by the receiving terminal 120.

[0093] It is noted that to the extent that the NOTIF notification is linked to the fact that the QR code is clicked, it then also represents an acknowledgment of receipt of the message initially transmitted by the sending terminal 110.

[0094] Upon receipt of the NOTIF notification by the device 141 (step E160 forming part of the processing method in the present embodiment), the general method comprises, in the present embodiment, a step E170 of incrementing a counter and / or timestamping said NOTIF notification. Said step E170 is implemented by a tracing module MOD_INC_HOR equipping the device 141 and forms part of the processing method.

[0095] The incrementation of a counter and / or the timestamping of the NOTIF notification is for example carried out at the level of a database stored and managed by the device 141. Alternatively, the step E170 may consist of sending a command to another device (e.g. a dedicated database) of the service platform 140 to carry out said incrementation and / or said timestamping.

[0096] It should however be noted that this step E170 is optional within the meaning of the present invention, and has various advantages. Indeed, the fact of carrying out such an incrementation with a counter advantageously allows the service platform 140 to establish statistics relating to the use of the services that it offers. The timestamp makes it possible to keep dated proof of the use of the services offered by the service platform 140. In addition, the fact of combining an incremental count and a timestamp makes it possible to improve the security of the exchanges to the extent that it becomes possible to implement intrusion detection tools, such as for example a denial of service attack (“Distributed Denial of Service” or “DDoS” in English).

[0097] In addition to said incrementation and / or timestamping step E170, said NOTIF notification is transmitted (step E180 forming part of the processing method in the present embodiment) to the messaging platform 130 which receives it (step E190) and relays it (step E200) to the sending terminal 110 which receives it in turn (step E210).

[0098] The general method also comprises a step E220 of redirecting the receiving terminal 120 to the web page P_WEB using the URI address associated with the access data C_CAR. Said step E220 is implemented by a redirection module MOD_RED equipping the device 141 and is part of the processing method.

[0099] In other words, in the implementation mode described here, it is the device 141 which provides the receiving terminal 120 with access to the web page P_WEB.

[0100] It should be noted that the redirection step E220 has been described here as being executed after the incrementation and / or timestamping of a counter (step E170) as well as after the NOTIF notification is transmitted from the device 141 to the transmitting terminal 110 (steps E180, E190, E200, E210). These provisions are however not limiting of the invention, the order in which these steps are executed being indifferent.

[0101] Furthermore, the general method, and therefore ultimately the processing method, has been described so far by considering access by the receiving terminal 120 to the web page P_WE via a redirection performed by the device 141 (indirect access). However, nothing precludes considering other modes of implementation of the general method in which the receiving terminal 120 directly accesses the web page P_WEB as soon as the QR code has been clicked. Such another mode of implementation is illustrated in a non-limiting manner by FIG. 4, in which steps F10 to F140 are identical to steps E10 to E140. Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the general method then comprises a step F150 of direct access (reference “D_ACC QR CODE”) to the web page P_WEB by the receiving terminal 120 following the fact that the QR code of the NEW_MES message is clicked.Furthermore, in this implementation mode of Figure 4, no NOTIF notification is transmitted by the receiving terminal 120. Of course, according to an alternative to this implementation mode, a NOTIF notification can be transmitted by the receiving terminal 120, as described with reference to Figure 3, while allowing direct access to the web page P_WEB.

[0102] In general, the invention has been described so far considering that all the steps of the processing method are implemented by the data processing device 141 of the service platform 140. That being said, the invention still covers other embodiments which are now described.

[0103] Figure 5 represents, in the form of a flowchart, another particular mode of implementation of the general method.

[0104] In this other mode of implementation, it is considered that the messaging platform 130 comprises a data processing device 131, called “second data processing device 131”, configured in hardware and software according to technical provisions similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 2 for the data processing device 141, called here “first data processing device 141”, and belonging to the services platform 140.

[0105] As can be seen in Figure 5, once the MES message is obtained by the sending terminal 110 (step G10), it is transmitted (step G20) to the second device 131 which receives it (step G30). The second device 131 performs the detection of the QR code (step G40), the decoding of the access data C_CAR (step G50), the verification of the security criterion CRIT (step G60), the generation of the hyperlink HYP_L (step G70), to then transmit (step G80) the message NEW_MES to the receiving terminal 120 which receives it (step G90).

[0106] The user clicks on the QR code of the NEW_MES message (step G100) which triggers the sending to the second device 131 of a first notification NOTIF_1 indicating that the QR code has been clicked (step G110). The second device 131 receives the first notification NOTIF_1 (step G120) and increments a counter and / or timestamps said first notification NOTIF_1 (step G130). In the manner described for step E170 of FIG. 4, it should be noted that said step G130 is optional, and can also be implemented by the first device 141 rather than by the second device 131.

[0107] The first notification NOTIF_1 is then transmitted (step G140) to the sending terminal 110 which receives it (step G150). Furthermore, and as illustrated in no way limiting terms by FIG. 5, the second device 131 sends a second notification NOTIF_2 (step G160), said second notification NOTIF_2 indicating that the electronic message MES has been modified by attaching the hyperlink HYP_L to the QR code (i.e. following the generation of the hyperlink HYP_L as an interactive object). This second notification NOTIF_2 is sent by the second device 131 to the first device 141 which receives it (step G170) for example, to store it. Such a second notification NOTIF_2 makes it possible, for example, to carry out supervision (control) of the number of times messages containing graphic codes are modified via the attachment of hyperlinks to these graphic codes.

[0108] Finally, the second device 131 performs a redirection of the receiving terminal 120 to the web page P_WEB using the URI address associated with the access data C_CAR (step G 180).

[0109] It should be noted that the transmission of the second notification NOTIF_2 has been described here as being carried out after the reception of the first notification NOTIF_1 by the transmitting terminal 110. This is not, however, a limitation of the invention, the second notification NOTIF_2 being able to be transmitted at any time as soon as the step G70 of generating the hyperlink HYP_L has been executed. Moreover, the transmission of the second notification NOTIF_2 is also optional within the meaning of the present invention.

[0110] It is also noted that the mode of FIG. 5 has been described by considering that the steps of detection G40, decoding G50, verification G60 and generation G70 are implemented by the second device 131. However, nothing excludes the possibility of only part of these steps being implemented by the second device 131, the other remaining steps being implemented by the first device 141. As an example, the verification step G60 can be implemented by the first device 141. [YES] Figure 6 represents, in the form of a flowchart, yet another particular mode of implementation of the general method. In the mode of Figure 6, steps H10 to H100 are identical to steps G10 to G100. Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 6, the general method then comprises a step H110 of direct access (reference “D_ACC QR CODE”) to the web page P_WEB by the receiving terminal 120 following the fact that the QR code of the NEW_MES message is clicked. Furthermore, in this mode of implementation of Figure 6, the first notification NOTIF_1 is not sent by the receiving terminal 120, unlike the second notification NOTIF_2 which is sent by the second device 131 (step H120) and received by the first device 141 (step H130).

[0112] The modes of Figures 3 to 6 have been written considering that the steps of detection, decoding, verification and generation of the hyperlink are implemented by a data processing device of the service platform and / or a data processing device of the messaging platform. That being said, still other modes can be envisaged in which at least part of these steps (in particular the steps of detection, decoding and generation of the hyperlink) are implemented by the sending terminal 110 or the receiving terminal 120, for example by means of a software application whose code instructions are stored in a memory of the corresponding terminal.

[0113] Such another mode is for example illustrated in a non-limiting manner by Figure 7, in which the detection (step S20), the decoding (step S30) and the generation of the hyperlink HYP_L (step S90) are implemented by the transmitting terminal 110. The verification of the criterion CRIT (step S60) is carried out by the device 141 of the service platform 140 upon receipt (step S50) of a notification NOTIF_3 sent by the transmitting terminal 110 (step S40) to request said verification, and it being understood that the device 141 sends a response REP_NOTIF_3 to this request. (step S70) once the verification has been carried out. Of course, it is possible to envisage an alternative in which the verification of the CRIT criterion is carried out by the messaging platform 130 (i.e. by an appropriate processing device integrated into the messaging platform 130).

[0114] It is further understood that an implementation mode similar to that of FIG. 7 can still be envisaged on the receiving terminal 120 side with regard to at least the detection, decoding and generation of the hyperlink HYP_L. This other implementation mode is not described here in detail, the person skilled in the art being able to carry it out on the basis of all the technical considerations described up to now.

[0115] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, it has been considered that the generated interactive object is a hyperlink attached to the graphic code so as to make the latter clickable. That being said, within the meaning of the present invention, the interactive object is not limited to the sole hyperlink intended to be attached to the graphic code. Indeed, it may also be an object of another nature not intended to be attached to the graphic code, but to be incorporated / displayed in the electronic message in addition to the graphic code during the step of generating said other interactive object. By way of non-limiting example, such another interactive object may correspond to a symbol, an icon, an image, a photo, etc. Furthermore, nothing precludes having in the electronic message not only a clickable graphic code as described above but also such another interactive object.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for processing an electronic message intended for a receiving terminal (120), said message comprising a graphic code encoding data, called “access data”, representative of access to a computer resource, said method comprising steps of: - decoding (E70) of access data, - generation (E90) of an interactive object in the electronic message from the decoded access data, said interactive object being configured to provide access to the computer resource when an interaction is carried out with said interactive object.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive object is a hyperlink for accessing the computer resource, the hyperlink being generated so as to be attached to the graphical code and thus make the graphical code clickable for accessing the computer resource.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the graphic code is any one of: a QR code, a mini QR code, a barcode, a data matrix.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the access data is representative of a uniform resource identifier configured to provide access to a computer resource of the Internet network.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, said method further comprising, before the generation of the interactive object, steps of: - verification (E80) of compliance with a security criterion by the IT resource, - if the verification is not satisfied, an alert message is issued.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said method further comprising, following transmission of the electronic message to the receiving terminal, steps of: - reception (E160), from the receiving terminal (120), of a notification indicating that an interaction has been carried out with the interactive object, - transmission (E180) of the notification to a terminal sending (110) the electronic message, - redirection (E220) of the receiving terminal to the IT resource using the access data.

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said method further comprising, after the generation of the interactive object, a step of transmitting (E120) the electronic message to the receiving terminal (120).

8. The method of claim 7, said method further comprising a step of issuing a notification, said notification indicating that the electronic message has been modified following the generation of the interactive object.

9. Method according to claim 6 or 8, said method further comprising, upon receipt of the notification, a step (E170) of incrementing a counter and / or timestamping said notification.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electronic message is an email, a mobile telephone multimedia message or a message exchanged on an instant messaging platform.

11. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing at least the steps of decoding and generating a data processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 when said program is executed by a computer.

12. A computer-readable recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon according to claim 11.

13. Data processing device (131, 141) comprising means configured to implement at least the steps of decoding and generating a method for processing an electronic message according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. Device (131, 141) according to claim 13, said device being integrated into any one of: - a service platform operated by a communications operator, - a messaging platform operated by a messaging operator, - a terminal sending the electronic message, - a receiving terminal to which the electronic message is intended.

15. Device (131, 141) according to claim 14, wherein the entities operating the service platform and the messaging platform are different or the same.

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